Message From Mary-Beth Cooper Concerning George Delany

It is with deep regret that I share this update regarding one of our students. New York State Police confirm their belief that a body found yesterday in a wooded area of Steuben County is the remains of George Delany.

At a news conference held late this morning, investigators cited the discovery of George’s personal effects found at the scene among the reasons for their determination. An autopsy being conducted by the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to confirm the identity.

I cannot find words that adequately express the sorrow that members of the RIT community are feeling in light of this discovery. We remained hopeful that the search for George might yield a much different outcome, and our heart-felt sympathies go out to his family and friends.

Please join us at 5 p.m. tomorrow in the Schmitt Interfaith Center for a campus gathering to remember George. Friends are asked to bring pictures of George or pictures taken by George that will be displayed in commemoration of his life and a tribute to the people he shared his time with while at RIT.

For anyone on campus having difficulty coping with George’s loss, assistance is available through the Counseling Center. Counselors are available in the August Center, second floor, or by calling 585-475-2261.

On behalf of the campus community, I express sincere thanks to RIT Public Safety for working in cooperation with multiple law enforcement agencies on this case. RIT, New York State Police, Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Steuben County Sheriff’s Department and the citizens of Steuben County all played a significant role. And I extend a particular sense of gratitude to members of Students Finding George Delany. Their tireless efforts ensured that the search for George remained in the public eye and became far-reaching.